BODEGAcooler 36L Dual Zone 12V Portable Car Fridge Review

The dual-zone functionality is praised by customers for convenience during travel.

Control the dual-zone functions on the unit. You can also use the smartphone app. The app control feature makes adjustments easy. This feature offers easy adjustments while on outdoor adventures.

Consider the noise levels and usability next.

Temperature range (-4°F to 68°F)

Let’s talk temperature. The BODEGAcooler 36L gives you a wide range, from -4°F to 68°F. It works as both a refrigerator/freezer combo, for your outdoor adventures.

This car fridge cools fast. It drops from 68°F (20°C) to 32°F (0°C) in 15 minutes using Max mode. The freezer hits -2°F in one hour with a 120V power supply. The fridge side gets to 38°F in 15 to 20 minutes.

Store what you need, from drinks to frozen goods, in this portable ice maker.

App control for easy adjustments

You can control this BODEGAcooler T36 fridge with your phone. It works through a WiFi app on Android and iOS. The app lets you change the temperature of both zones. No need to fiddle with buttons on the fridge itself.

The app shows the fridge’s temperature in real-time. This is great for long trips. You can also change energy settings from afar. This keeps your food and drinks cold using less power, or manage your refrigerator/freezer combo easily.

Manual controls are on the unit, too, giving you choices. App integration gives you control of the fridge and freezer zones.

Portability with wheels and foldable handle

This Bodega Cooler, with its foldable handle and rugged off-road wheels, goes places with you. Think about rolling this refrigerator/freezer combo from your ride right into the campsite.

Its design makes movement easy for travel, plus outdoor adventures.

Good things come in small packages.

The durable handle folds away for compact storage. You can even fit this fridge, with product dimensions of 14.17″D x 28.5″W x 14.49″H, in an SUV or under a rooftop tent. Even when fully loaded, relocating it is easy, thanks to these features.

The retractable handle offers a solid grip.

Performance and Cooling Efficiency

The BODEGAcooler T36 brings impressive cooling power to your outdoor adventures. It can cool from 68°F to 32°F in just 15 minutes in Max mode. That’s quick! The freezer side of this refrigerator/freezer combo can hit -2°F in under an hour using 120V power.

How well does it perform? The large compartment chills fast. You might want to pre-cool the freezer section for the best results, though. Some users have noted the smaller compartment has temperature swings.

Continuous operation can keep your food fresh on those long trips off the grid. The BODEGAcooler T36 offers solid energy efficiency. In ECO mode, it uses less than 45W. Max mode uses 60W.

The fridge can hold 41 cans of cola. It also fits 21 bottles of water or 13 bottles of red wine. It is a great piece of camping gear.

Noise Levels and Usability

The BODEGAcooler T36 aims for quiet operation. It is suitable for camping. This refrigerator/freezer combo’s noise level is less than 42 dB, according to fridge ratings. However, testing shows actual noise between 43-47 dB.

Compressor noise may bother some people if you sleep inside your VW ID.4.

User-friendly controls make it easy to use this fridge. A digital display and an LED-lit interior help you. Inside, find a removable divider, baskets, and a bottle opener for better organization.

You can use the bottom drain hole or drain plug to clean it easily.

Power Options and Energy Efficiency

Want a fridge that works anywhere? This cooler runs on your car’s power or a wall outlet.

Compatibility with 12V/24V DC and 100-240V AC

The BODEGAcooler T36 car fridges work with many power sources. It supports 12V or 24V direct current from car or boat batteries. It also works with 100-240V AC outlets for home use.

This refrigerator/freezer combo can switch between voltage levels.

This fridge comes with a cigarette lighter connector. It also has a wall plug and adapter. This makes it easy to use in cars or at home. It is great with portable power stations for outdoor adventures.

Few camping gear items are this convenient. It is suitable for automotive and household settings.

Build Quality and Durability

The BODEGAcooler 36L is built tough for automotive travel. Its sturdy build can handle your next outdoor adventures. This refrigerator/freezer combo includes thoughtful racks for organization.

Plus, a removable center divider adds flexibility.

You can depend on its anti-shaking function. Your food stays put, even on 30-degree inclines. Good insulation keeps things cold, and the automatic defrost system makes life easier.

This portable car fridge is ready for rugged use with off-road wheels and a retractable handle. It even has a bottom drain hole, also called drain plug, for easy cleaning. You get a 2-year warranty on the product.

The compressor and accessories have a 24-month warranty, while other parts have a 1-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Deciding if the BODEGAcooler 36L is the right fit for you involves weighing its benefits and drawbacks. It’s like choosing between a trusty pickup truck and a fuel-efficient sedan, each has its place.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Dual-zone temperature control is a big win. You can use it as a refrigerator/freezer combo, keeping drinks cold and hot dogs frozen for camping gear.
2. App control gives you the power to adjust settings from your phone. Adjustments are easy, even from your vw id.4.
3. Quiet operation is great at 43-47 dB. This means less noise, but the compressor can be a bother for light sleepers.
4. A large capacity of 36 Liters with included accessories helps. You get baskets, a divider, a drain plug, and even a bottle opener.
5. It includes off-road wheels and a retractable handle. These make it easy to move, even on uneven ground for outdoor adventures.
6. It works with both 12V/24V DC and 100-240V AC. This makes it versatile for car, portable power station, or home use.
7. Energy efficiency is a plus, sipping just 60 watts. Save on power, especially when using a portable power station.
8. Inconsistent temperature is a reported issue for the smaller zone. It might not cool as evenly as the larger section.
9. You will find that the freezer section may cool down slower. It is recommended to pre-cool before use.
10. A bottom drain hole is a thoughtful feature. This makes cleaning easy; just use the drain plug.
11. The BODEGAcooler’s build quality is solid, it is fairly durable .
12. Weighing in at 31.9 pounds it may seem slightly heavy when fully loaded. Carrying the BODEGAcooler can be challenging for some.
13. Some customers find the compressor noise noticeable when they are sleeping near it. If you have a light sleep, this can be an issue.
14. With automatic defrost, you don’t have to worry about manual defrosting. This feature simplifies maintenance.
15. A USB charging port allows you to charge your devices. Keep your phone or other gadgets powered up on the go.

Now that you have some pros and cons, let’s consider ideal use cases for this cooler.

Ideal Use Cases

Think SUV camping trips. The BODEGAcooler 36L fridge/freezer combo is great for multi-day adventures. It stores enough food for everyone. It fits well in a VW ID.4 or Ford Explorer.

You still have room for other camping gear. You can also use it for family outings. Perhaps, use it at BBQs for cold drinks and food. This cooler is a great backup at home too.

Consider the BODEGA T36 for off-grid adventures. It keeps your food fresh for five days, maybe more. It works with BLUETTI solar generators and other portable batteries. These portable power station allow for extended use.

The refrigerator/freezer combo is useful for reliable refrigeration. This is especially when you need cold storage. The off-road wheels and retractable handle make it easy to move.

Plus, the bottom drain hole and drain plug make cleanup easy. It operates quietly, at 40 dB, so quiet operation is a plus for overnight trips.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Guys are talking about the BODEGAcooler 36L. The portable car refrigerator/freezer combo gets a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 3,484 ratings on amazon.com, not bad. Most users love it, with 103 giving it a perfect five stars, and 25 rating it four stars.

Lori Gonzales said on September 2, 2025, that it made trips easier and would buy it again using her credit card. Omi, also on September 2, 2025, was happy regarding its efficiency.

Omi mentioned it fits in their Ford Explorer and cools or freezes fast. One user, D, on August 5, 2025, liked the cooling but docked a star, since the 120V plug was not included in their order receipt.

Frank Maver, on July 30, 2025, noted the dual fridge/freezer functionality is a big win for off-road adventures. Also, Peggy said on June 5, 2025, it’s great for BBQs. She loves the phone usb charging port, and temperature app control.

She also appreciates how it cools without needing ice, plus this refrigerator/freezer combo has quiet operation. BODEGA offers lifetime customer support with 24-hour responses. They also have a 30-day price match and money-back guarantee to the customer, so it is risk-free to purchase.

Many are finding the BODEGAcooler T36 a useful piece of camping gear. It seems like the bottom drain hole and retractable handle come in handy. Also, the off-road wheels help when you’re away from the vw id.4 and need to use the portable power station and other camping gear further from the car.

What about how the BODEGAcooler stacks up against other similar products?

Comparison With Similar Products

Checking out alternatives? Here’s how the BODEGAcooler 36L stacks up, bro:

BODEGAcooler – The Perfect Companion For Outdoor Adventures

This fridge offers a lot of value for the price. Let’s get some expert insight. Meet Dr. Hank Harrison, a seasoned mechanical engineer with 20 years in the field. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT and has led research on portable refrigeration at major universities.

Dr. Harrison has consulted for top appliance brands. He is known for his work on cooling innovations and sustainable energy solutions.

Dr. Harrison believes the BODEGAcooler 36L balances key features. Its dual-zone design offers real flexibility for consumers. The cooling tech works well, based on established thermodynamics.

He notes the two zones let users keep food and beverages at different temperatures. This helps keep food safe and drinks cold.

Harrison points out that safety is always key. The BODEGAcooler has passed safety checks. It meets rules for electrical appliances. Openly sharing product specs builds trust. The company is honest, so that helps, too.

Harrison suggests using the fridge for camping, road trips, or even tailgating. Keep drinks cold on one side. Also, keep food frozen on the other. He says that planning your power use is crucial.

Use the ECO mode to save power.

According to Harrison, the BODEGAcooler has a lot going for it. It is a good deal for the money with app controls. You should compare features to other options. Consider how you plan to use it.

Some fridges may be quieter. Some may be more rugged.

Dr. Harrison thinks the BODEGAcooler 36L is a solid choice. It is very useful for people who need portable refrigeration. It works well for camping, travel, and other outdoor times.

If you want a budget-friendly refrigerator/freezer combination, it’s worth a look.

Learn more: Perfect for SUV Camping - The Bodegacooler 36L Car Refrigerator Review